Wake County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States, which means its building department handles enormous permit volume. If you own a home in the unincorporated parts of Wake County — meaning you're not inside Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Wake Forest, Morrisville, Knightdale, Wendell, Zebulon, or another municipality — your building permits are issued by Wake County Inspections, Permits & Development.
If you're in unincorporated Wake County, read on. Here's everything you need to know about what requires a permit, how to apply, and what to expect.
What Requires a Building Permit in Unincorporated Wake County
Shed Permits in Wake County: The Full Picture
Wake County's 256 sq ft threshold for shed permits is more generous than most Georgia or Virginia counties, but there's a nuance: the exemption applies to sheds that are no taller than 20 feet and meet all setback requirements. If your shed has electricity, plumbing, or is used as a workshop where people will regularly spend time, the exemption may not apply even if it's under 256 sq ft.
The Size That Trips Most Homeowners Up
A 16×16 shed is 256 sq ft — right at the threshold. A 16×17 shed is 272 sq ft and requires a permit. Many homeowners buy a "standard large" pre-built shed (often 16×20 = 320 sq ft) and are surprised to need a permit. Check the square footage before you order.
Setback Requirements for Sheds in Unincorporated Wake County
- Rear yard: 10 feet from the rear property line (most residential zones)
- Side yard: 5 feet from the side property line
- Front yard: Must meet the same front setback as the primary structure
- Distance from house: At least 6 feet from any other structure
These setbacks apply to all sheds regardless of size — even permit-exempt ones. Verify your specific zoning district's setbacks using the Wake County GIS portal before placing any structure.
Deck Permits in Wake County
Wake County's deck permit rules follow the North Carolina Residential Building Code. The key rule: any deck that is more than 30 inches above grade at any point requires a building permit. Additionally, all decks attached to the house require a permit regardless of height — because the ledger attachment to the house is a structural connection that must be inspected.
This means a low, ground-level floating deck that never gets more than 29 inches off the ground can be built without a permit in unincorporated Wake County. Many homeowners take advantage of this when adding a patio deck to their backyard. However, any deck with stairs that lead up to a door, or any deck attached to the house, needs a permit.
What the Deck Permit Inspection Covers
Wake County requires two inspections for deck permits. The first is a framing inspection — conducted while the frame is up but before decking boards are installed. The inspector checks post sizes, joist spans, beam connections, ledger attachment, and footing depth. The second is a final inspection after all work including railings and stairs is complete.
Don't board over your deck before the framing inspection passes. Inspectors need to see the structure.
Fence Rules in Unincorporated Wake County
Unincorporated Wake County does not require a building permit for fences. This is one of the more homeowner-friendly rules in the county. However, you still need to follow the zoning ordinance's height and placement rules:
- Rear and side yard fences may be up to 8 feet tall in most residential zones
- Front yard fences are limited to 4 feet in height
- Fences must be placed on your property — confirm your property lines before installation
- Corner lot visibility triangles limit fence placement near road intersections
How to Apply for a Building Permit in Wake County
Wake County uses an online portal called EPlan for permit applications. Here's the process:
- Go to the Wake County Inspections, Permits & Development portal at wake.gov/IPD. Click "Apply for a Permit."
- Create or log in to your account. You'll need an account to submit an application and track its status.
- Select your project type. Wake County categorizes residential permits as New Residential, Residential Addition, Residential Accessory Structure, Residential Electrical, etc.
- Complete the application. You'll enter the property address (Parcel ID helps), project description, estimated project value, and contractor information if applicable.
- Upload your plans. For shed permits: a site plan. For deck permits: a site plan plus construction drawings. The portal specifies required documents by permit type.
- Pay the fee. Wake County accepts online payment. Fees are calculated based on project value. A simple shed permit typically costs $40–$75. Deck permits are $60–$175 depending on size.
- Wait for plan review. Residential accessory structure permits typically take 3–7 business days. Decks may take 5–10 days. You'll receive email updates as your application moves through review.
- Download your permit card. Once approved, print and post the permit card at the job site. The permit number is needed to schedule inspections.
- Schedule inspections. Call (919) 856-6222 or use the online scheduling tool to request required inspections.
Wake County Building Department Contact Information
Wake County Inspections, Permits & Development is located at P.O. Box 550, Raleigh, NC 27602. Their inspection request line is (919) 856-6222. For permit questions, call (919) 856-6220. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Common Mistakes That Delay Wake County Permits
- Applying as "county" when you're inside a city. This is the single most common mistake. The county permit office will reject your application if your address falls within a municipality.
- Insufficient site plan. Your site plan must show all property lines with dimensions, the location and dimensions of all existing structures, and the proposed new structure with setback measurements marked clearly.
- Missing parcel ID. Including your Wake County parcel ID (found on your property tax bill or the Wake County GIS website) speeds up the process significantly.
- Unlicensed contractor. In North Carolina, contractors performing work over $30,000 must be licensed by the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors. For smaller projects, licensing requirements depend on the trade.
Frequently Asked Questions — Wake County NC
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A 12×20 shed is 240 square feet — under Wake County's 256 sq ft threshold. If it's under 20 feet tall and meets all setback requirements, it does not require a building permit in unincorporated Wake County. However, if you're inside a city (Raleigh, Cary, Apex, etc.), the city's rules apply instead, and the threshold may be different.
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Use the Wake County GIS tool at maps.wakegov.com. Enter your address and look at the "Jurisdiction" field in the property information panel. If it says "Wake County," you're in unincorporated territory and use the county for permits. If it lists a city name, contact that city's building department. Your property tax bill also lists the taxing jurisdiction, which is another way to check.
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A freestanding "floating" deck that is not attached to the house and stays under 30 inches above grade at its highest point does not require a building permit in unincorporated Wake County. However, if the deck has stairs or if any portion exceeds 30 inches off the ground, a permit is required. The deck must still meet setback requirements for accessory structures.
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No. Unincorporated Wake County does not require a building permit for fences. You must still follow zoning height limits (4 ft in front yards, up to 8 ft in rear yards in most zones) and placement rules. If you're inside a city, the city's rules apply — Raleigh and Cary both require fence permits for certain types and heights.
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Wake County permit fees are based on the estimated project value. For a simple storage shed, expect to pay $40–$75. For a deck, fees typically range from $60 to $175 depending on size. For a home addition, fees can range from $150 to several hundred dollars depending on scope. The county's fee schedule is available on the Wake County IPD website for the most current rates.